Newark Public Library hosts Read to Achieve Knicks Summer Reading Event

With a focus on promoting reading and literacy, Optimum Community and Madison Square Garden brought a Read to Achieve Summer Reading event to the community of Newark. Former NBA Superstar John Starks and former WNBA superstar Teresa Weatherspoon were joined by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka at the Newark Public Library to take part in a read-aloud of Barbara E. Barber’s book, Allie’s Basketball Dream. Following the reading, children participated in an interactive quiz about the book and took part in a raffle and autograph signing.

“Just because it’s summer break doesn’t mean that learning should take a break,” said Mayor Baraka. “It is important that our youth continue to read throughout the summer in order to be best prepared for the coming school year. So, I thank the Knicks, Cablevision, and Madison Square Garden for bringing this event to the Newark Library and supplementing our reading and literacy efforts.”